In recent days, the public of the Eastern Mediterranean was shocked in recent days about the Acula attack on the diver off the coast of Israel.
The incident, captured on the video and actively discussed on the Internet, again posed in the center of attention the issue of the relationship between a person and sharks - one of the most mysterious and incorrectly understood inhabitants of the sea depths.
On the broadcast of the Mesimeri Kai Kati television program on the Sigma channel, the marine biologist Pericle Cleit commented on the situation, emphasizing that there was no reason for panic. According to him, 32 species of sharks live in the waters of Cypers, but all of them, as a rule, hold on to the open sea and do not pose a danger to humans.
“In Cyprus, not a single case of a shark attack on a person was recorded,” the scientist assured. “There is no threat: sharks are afraid of people, and those species that are considered potentially dangerous are rarely approaching the shore.”
He explained that the incident in Israel occurred near the power plant in the Hader area - a place known for its warm waters that attract sharks of the genus Carcharhinus. Such sharks are also found off the coast of Cyprus, but cases of aggression on their part are extremely rare.
“Apparently, the freediver was the victim of the attack, on the body of which, perhaps, there was a mined fish - this could have provoked interest from the shark,” he added.
Interestingly, now this part of the Israeli coast has turned into a tourist attraction. Thousands of people come here to observe the sharks, and some even decide to jointly swim.
However, Pericl Glorita warned from irresponsible behavior. Tourists often feed sharks, violating their natural instincts and behavior, which can lead to undesirable consequences for both people and animals themselves.
“Sharks are the top of the sea food chain. They play an important role in preserving the ecosystem, performing the function of peculiar “police seas”, ”the expert said. - “We must treat them with respect: do not harm, do not provoke and not destroy them. They are guarded and need our protection. ”
The scientist also turned to fishermen, both professionals and lovers, not to be afraid of sharks and not try to fight them. If the animal accidentally gets into the network, it should be carefully released.
“Sharks do not hunt people and do not consider human meat to be tidying. Most often they make a trial bite, and then sail. In the wild, everything is subordinated to saving energy - the animal chooses an easy and understandable goal, and not what seems unfamiliar and potentially dangerous to it, ”one of the most common myths dispelled to Clay.
Thus, in the context of an increase in interest in marine life, the specialist recalled: the most important thing is to maintain a balance between curiosity and respect for nature.
Source: Sigmalive.com
